Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (feel free to use a light mayo or vegan mayo)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (homemade or your favorite brand)
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish (or finely chopped dill pickles as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (white vinegar works in a pinch)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (regular paprika is fine too)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients and measure them out. This step reminds me of how Mama Lou always believed mise en place was the secret to smooth cooking—everything in its place.
- In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, and yellow mustard. Stir gently until they blend into a smooth, pinkish base.
- Add the sweet pickle relish, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix well to combine all those flavors—this is where the sauce starts to sing.
- Sprinkle in the cayenne pepper if you like a little heat. Ouma always loved a bit of spice, so this is her favorite part!
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. I always recommend starting with a small pinch and adjusting after a quick taste test. Remember, it’s easier to add than take away.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors marry, creating that rich, complex taste that makes this the ultimate sauce.
- Before serving, give it a final stir and taste again. Adjust seasoning if necessary. This sauce is ready to transform your smash burgers into something truly memorable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
